Ranches are seeing a boom in sales in Texas

Updated 10:52 am, Friday, July 11, 2014

Take a look at six of the largest ranches for sale across the Lone Star State:

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

Take a look at six of the largest ranches for sale across the Lone Star State:

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 2 of 73

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 3 of 73

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 4 of 73

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 5 of 73

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 6 of 73

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 7 of 73

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 8 of 73

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 9 of 73

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 10 of 73

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 11 of 73

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 12 of 73

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 13 of 73

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 14 of 73

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

00 FM 1431: This 1986 ranch near Austin has a home on the property, 2,200 acres of land, and is listed for $29,900,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 15 of 73

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 16 of 73

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 17 of 73

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 18 of 73

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 19 of 73

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 20 of 73

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 21 of 73

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 22 of 73

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 23 of 73

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 24 of 73

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 25 of 73

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 26 of 73

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 27 of 73

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 28 of 73

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

8030 Walker Prairie: This ranch near Franklin has three lodges on the property, 5,714 acres of land, and is listed for $17,000,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 29 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 30 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 31 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 32 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 33 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 34 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 35 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 36 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 37 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 38 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 39 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 40 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 41 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 42 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

2523 FM 2238: This ranch near Schulenburg has three structures on the property, 443 acres of land, and is listed for $6,750,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 43 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This Texas Century Ranch in Tomball has an historic farmhouse on the property, 133 acres of land, and is listed for $6,640,000.

2523 FM 2238: This Texas Century Ranch in Tomball has an historic farmhouse on the property, 133 acres of land, and is listed for $6,640,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 44 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This Texas Century Ranch in Tomball has an historic farmhouse on the property, 133 acres of land, and is listed for $6,640,000.

2523 FM 2238: This Texas Century Ranch in Tomball has an historic farmhouse on the property, 133 acres of land, and is listed for $6,640,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 45 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This Texas Century Ranch in Tomball has an historic farmhouse on the property, 133 acres of land, and is listed for $6,640,000.

2523 FM 2238: This Texas Century Ranch in Tomball has an historic farmhouse on the property, 133 acres of land, and is listed for $6,640,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 46 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This Texas Century Ranch in Tomball has an historic farmhouse on the property, 133 acres of land, and is listed for $6,640,000.

2523 FM 2238: This Texas Century Ranch in Tomball has an historic farmhouse on the property, 133 acres of land, and is listed for $6,640,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 47 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This Texas Century Ranch in Tomball has an historic farmhouse on the property, 133 acres of land, and is listed for $6,640,000.

2523 FM 2238: This Texas Century Ranch in Tomball has an historic farmhouse on the property, 133 acres of land, and is listed for $6,640,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 48 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This Texas Century Ranch in Tomball has an historic farmhouse on the property, 133 acres of land, and is listed for $6,640,000.

2523 FM 2238: This Texas Century Ranch in Tomball has an historic farmhouse on the property, 133 acres of land, and is listed for $6,640,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 49 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This Texas Century Ranch in Tomball has an historic farmhouse on the property, 133 acres of land, and is listed for $6,640,000.

2523 FM 2238: This Texas Century Ranch in Tomball has an historic farmhouse on the property, 133 acres of land, and is listed for $6,640,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 50 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This Texas Century Ranch in Tomball has an historic farmhouse on the property, 133 acres of land, and is listed for $6,640,000.

2523 FM 2238: This Texas Century Ranch in Tomball has an historic farmhouse on the property, 133 acres of land, and is listed for $6,640,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 51 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This Texas Century Ranch in Tomball has an historic farmhouse on the property, 133 acres of land, and is listed for $6,640,000.

2523 FM 2238: This Texas Century Ranch in Tomball has an historic farmhouse on the property, 133 acres of land, and is listed for $6,640,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 52 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This Texas Century Ranch in Tomball has an historic farmhouse on the property, 133 acres of land, and is listed for $6,640,000.

2523 FM 2238: This Texas Century Ranch in Tomball has an historic farmhouse on the property, 133 acres of land, and is listed for $6,640,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 53 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This Texas Century Ranch in Tomball has an historic farmhouse on the property, 133 acres of land, and is listed for $6,640,000.

2523 FM 2238: This Texas Century Ranch in Tomball has an historic farmhouse on the property, 133 acres of land, and is listed for $6,640,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 54 of 73

2523 FM 2238: This Texas Century Ranch in Tomball has an historic farmhouse on the property, 133 acres of land, and is listed for $6,640,000.

2523 FM 2238: This Texas Century Ranch in Tomball has an historic farmhouse on the property, 133 acres of land, and is listed for $6,640,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 55 of 73

5933 Dolan Creek: This ranch near Del Rio has a lodge on the property, 13,200 acres of land, and is listed for $18,630,000.

5933 Dolan Creek: This ranch near Del Rio has a lodge on the property, 13,200 acres of land, and is listed for $18,630,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 56 of 73

5933 Dolan Creek: This ranch near Del Rio has a lodge on the property, 13,200 acres of land, and is listed for $18,630,000.

5933 Dolan Creek: This ranch near Del Rio has a lodge on the property, 13,200 acres of land, and is listed for $18,630,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 57 of 73

5933 Dolan Creek: This ranch near Del Rio has a lodge on the property, 13,200 acres of land, and is listed for $18,630,000.

5933 Dolan Creek: This ranch near Del Rio has a lodge on the property, 13,200 acres of land, and is listed for $18,630,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 58 of 73

5933 Dolan Creek: This ranch near Del Rio has a lodge on the property, 13,200 acres of land, and is listed for $18,630,000.

5933 Dolan Creek: This ranch near Del Rio has a lodge on the property, 13,200 acres of land, and is listed for $18,630,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 59 of 73

5933 Dolan Creek: This ranch near Del Rio has a lodge on the property, 13,200 acres of land, and is listed for $18,630,000.

5933 Dolan Creek: This ranch near Del Rio has a lodge on the property, 13,200 acres of land, and is listed for $18,630,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 60 of 73

5933 Dolan Creek: This ranch near Del Rio has a lodge on the property, 13,200 acres of land, and is listed for $18,630,000.

5933 Dolan Creek: This ranch near Del Rio has a lodge on the property, 13,200 acres of land, and is listed for $18,630,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 61 of 73

5933 Dolan Creek: This ranch near Del Rio has a lodge on the property, 13,200 acres of land, and is listed for $18,630,000.

5933 Dolan Creek: This ranch near Del Rio has a lodge on the property, 13,200 acres of land, and is listed for $18,630,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 62 of 73

5933 Dolan Creek: This ranch near Del Rio has a lodge on the property, 13,200 acres of land, and is listed for $18,630,000.

5933 Dolan Creek: This ranch near Del Rio has a lodge on the property, 13,200 acres of land, and is listed for $18,630,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 63 of 73

5933 Dolan Creek: This ranch near Del Rio has a lodge on the property, 13,200 acres of land, and is listed for $18,630,000.

5933 Dolan Creek: This ranch near Del Rio has a lodge on the property, 13,200 acres of land, and is listed for $18,630,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 64 of 73

5933 Dolan Creek: This ranch near Del Rio has a lodge on the property, 13,200 acres of land, and is listed for $18,630,000.

5933 Dolan Creek: This ranch near Del Rio has a lodge on the property, 13,200 acres of land, and is listed for $18,630,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 65 of 73

5933 Dolan Creek: This ranch near Del Rio has a lodge on the property, 13,200 acres of land, and is listed for $18,630,000.

5933 Dolan Creek: This ranch near Del Rio has a lodge on the property, 13,200 acres of land, and is listed for $18,630,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 66 of 73

5933 Dolan Creek: This ranch near Del Rio has a lodge on the property, 13,200 acres of land, and is listed for $18,630,000.

5933 Dolan Creek: This ranch near Del Rio has a lodge on the property, 13,200 acres of land, and is listed for $18,630,000.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 67 of 73

000 Highway 6 And 82: This ranch near Dallas has a home on the property, 17,984 acres of land, and is listed for $20,681,600.

000 Highway 6 And 82: This ranch near Dallas has a home on the property, 17,984 acres of land, and is listed for $20,681,600.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 68 of 73

000 Highway 6 And 82: This ranch near Dallas has a home on the property, 17,984 acres of land, and is listed for $20,681,600.

000 Highway 6 And 82: This ranch near Dallas has a home on the property, 17,984 acres of land, and is listed for $20,681,600.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 69 of 73

000 Highway 6 And 82: This ranch near Dallas has a home on the property, 17,984 acres of land, and is listed for $20,681,600.

000 Highway 6 And 82: This ranch near Dallas has a home on the property, 17,984 acres of land, and is listed for $20,681,600.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 70 of 73

000 Highway 6 And 82: This ranch near Dallas has a home on the property, 17,984 acres of land, and is listed for $20,681,600.

000 Highway 6 And 82: This ranch near Dallas has a home on the property, 17,984 acres of land, and is listed for $20,681,600.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 71 of 73

000 Highway 6 And 82: This ranch near Dallas has a home on the property, 17,984 acres of land, and is listed for $20,681,600.

000 Highway 6 And 82: This ranch near Dallas has a home on the property, 17,984 acres of land, and is listed for $20,681,600.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 72 of 73

000 Highway 6 And 82: This ranch near Dallas has a home on the property, 17,984 acres of land, and is listed for $20,681,600.

000 Highway 6 And 82: This ranch near Dallas has a home on the property, 17,984 acres of land, and is listed for $20,681,600.

Photo: Houston Association Of Realtors

Image 73 of 73

Ranches are seeing a boom in sales in Texas

1 / 73

Back to Gallery

Along with owning a custom pair of cowboy boots, a loaded pickup truck (brand optional), and wielding a killer chili recipe (no beans, hombre), owning a ranch is one of the most Texan, Texas-things that you can possibly do.

According to a leading ranch broker based here in Houston, you can point to Texas' booming oil and gas-related economy for the increase in ranch purchases.

James Boswell, founding partner and active broker with Republic Ranches says that the start of the new boom started sometime in 2012. Simply put, Boswell says, oil and gas people like ranches.

"We see lots of buyers coming from San Antonio and Houston, where lots of oil people are based out of," says Boswell. "Landowners that are getting mineral royalties are buying up land now."

According to Boswell, the main drive is for recreational property, somewhere where owners can get away from the noisy city and go hunting, fishing, or generally enjoy the Texas outdoors. Some people, says Boswell, say they just want to get their kids out of the city, even if for only a few days or weeks at a time.

"The primary buyers were ranchers 20 years ago, but now it's mostly people in the major cities who did well financially and want to get out of town," Boswell says. These are family-oriented people for the most part.

"Everyone wants a tractor now," he laughs.

People who moved to Houston from parts beyond Texas sometimes get bit by the Texas bug and decide to make their love known by purchasing one of the most Texas things they can. Some are looking for property with homesteads already built or have plans to plop down a ranch home of their own.

"Right now we are seeing the most activity in hot areas like Medina and Uvalde counties, west of San Antonio, although Colorado and Waller County are doing very well too," Boswell says.

Anything inside the San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas triangle will do well since properties inside that area are easy to drive to and stay for the weekend – leave Friday afternoon; come back to civilization and cellphones by Sunday night.

His firm deals in larger, more expensive ranches that range in size from 1,000 to 40,000 acres. The average Republic Ranches sale is around $5 million the broker says. Ranches, while great for recreation and communing with Texas, are also a great investment. Buyers see Texas as a great place to buy a piece of.

"It's a terrific hedge against inflation," Boswell says.

Even smaller properties are selling well. It's generally considered in ranch circles that something over 200 acres can be deemed a ranch, while something smaller should be termed as a farm or retreat, though there is no hard and fast qualifier. If you want to call your 10 acres in Angleton a ranch, it's doubtful anyone will bicker.

Besides being an investment, a family heirloom, or a place to hunt wild game, ranches are also great to have in your back pocket as a bug out property, somewhere you could run to in the event of natural or man-made disaster, Boswell admits.

"We are seeing some of that," Boswell says of buyers who would want somewhere to escape the collapse of society or what have you.

"It's a tangible asset that someone can touch, walk on. In an world of uncertainty, land is a certain thing," Boswell says.

Even if you don't subscribe to a pet doomsday prophecy, there is another tag to owning a ranch in Texas.

"It's a place for some to remember their own Texas heritage. There is something about Texans and owning land," he says.